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ATTENTION all Hockey fans! The Lockout has ended! 

 

Early morning Sunday, January 6, both sides came to an agreement to a ten-year contract. After 113 days, the players association and the league owners have come to terms and are planning a 48-game season set to start in mid/late-January.

 

With the season starting up, the experts have already picked their favorites to win the Stanley Cup this year!

 

Many have tapped the New York Rangers to have a strongest season in the Eastern Conference thanks to the addition of Rick Nash to the team. Some also predict that a healthy Sidney Crosby will help improve the Pittsburgh Penguins' not-so-great playoff run from last year. Still others expect a strong season from the Boston Bruins due to a very deep roster.

 

Over here in the Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks are expected tp continue to do well this season -- With two back-to-back Presidents trophies in their pocket, their performance will depend on their goalie Cory Schneider. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks have a very solid team on both ends of the ice and have a good chance of getting to the finals, but their season may also depend on their goalie, Corey Crawford. If Crawford can get his head in the game, the Blackhawks could be unstoppable.

 

What is this? The reigning Stanley Cup champs aren’t predicted to make it to the finals? The L.A. Kings are definitely still enjoying their win from last year, so let’s see if they can continue their success into the New Year despite the lockout.

 

After four months of no puck play, hockey fans can finally watch their favorite sport on ice again. And it’s about time!

 

 

- Amanda Baltazar, YH Staff